Tom P.

I had my '06 C280 (Elegance) in for service and the dealership gave me a '09 C300 (Sport/Avantgard) as a loaner for the day. I must say that I like my 280 more than the 300. My 280 has way more driver leg-room. I found the 300's pedals too close even with the seat to its full back position. I also found the instrumentation on the dash smaller and harder to read. The ride was much stiffer but I expected that with the Sport model. My 280's seats are more comfortable, as well. I did like the larger side mirrors on the 300, though. I found power was about the same.

All in all, I don't think I'll upgrade anytime soon.

skittles

w204 = piece of ****. loooooooooooool.

laneshift

+1

The w204 imo is not too much of an upgrade for me. I've driven three of their loaner c300's in place of my c240, which are both irritably underpowered in their class, but I must say, my w203 is more comfortable and less plastic infested. It also looks a bit more elegant on the outside, but nonetheless, the w204 front has a hell of a mean look to it.

skittles

LOL!!! so true. +1,000,000

maryjcl

The C300 is not underpowered relative to the competition -- BMW 328i, Lexus IS 250, etc. Your C240, however, while a nice car, is underpowered.

There is a great deal of plastic in both interiors, but I understand critiques of the 204 interior. That aside, I don't think there is much question that the 204 is a better, more reliable car, especially at this stage in its lifecycle relative to the 203s, which up through 2005 or so were a real pain in the tuckus. I loved our '02 W203, but I am not sad we traded it for a W211, and I would also think that a trade for a W204 would also have yielded a far more reliable car, based on what I've read in CR and the automotive press in general.

laneshift

The w204 is much more reliable from what I can see. I just like the design of the w203 better, but each to his own. Now, speaking of underpowered, I am wrong. It's got the nearly the same amount of hp as the 328i, but the 328i has a second on the 0-60 time. I guess speed automatically turned into terms of power, my fault!

nrg_mike

Hey! I've got both and I must say that I like the transition between the two... There are good and bad qualities of both cars. Some say that the 204 has a cheaper "build feel" but I must say that I like both... Well... the 203 a little more than the 204 though.

W203E35

I'm down with the 203.

280 = 300
350 = 350

203 ftw

FraKctured

+1

Dealer gave me the C300 as loaner as well, and I did not like it anywhere near as much as my C2804M or even my previous '98 C230. Ride was not as smooth, felt like a MUCH smaller car than my C280. I'd be fine with that if it felt more sporty or was noticeably faster, but it was neither. It felt like a step backwards (moving in the direction of a Subaru WRX I drove once, which was fast, but crass and very unrefined).

ntwillie1

I've had a loanger c300 on several occassions now and I like it way better than my 06 c230 sport. It feels considerably strong to me and has more interior space. I also find that the interior is much more elegant than the fake brushed aluminum look in my w203. From a purely cosmetic standpoint I would say I like the w203 look better, but everything else I'd gave to the 204. Also, they have dual exhaust pipes which look way cooler than the single

Norwichdelta06

Keep in mind guys any early years of any new generation always needs improvement... I mean look at the early stages of the w203

DUC916

Past two C-class models, 280 has been the best model to buy. For whatever reason, Mercedes sold them during the last year of its model run. One very positive side of it is the model went through all the troubleshooting and has matured with respect to its technologies and mechanics. Also, 280s have ample power. They just have perfect balance for the power and for enough options. Had I known the introduction of 280, I would have waited one more year and bought 280 with 7-speed transmission.

laneshift

There was a c280 in the same lot as my c240 that I purchased from. I wish I had known the difference and coughed up some more money that would benefit me in the long run. I hear these are pretty quick, too. Beat the c320 by a hair to 60, yes?

samaritrey

i don't think so i think fast w203 goes something like this (automatics)
c55
c32
c350
c320
c230 Kompressors
c280
c230 v6
c240
I think that is how it goes

W203E35

C55 - 5.0
C32 - 5.3
C350 - 6.2
C320 - 7.3
C280 - 7.5
C230 - 7.6
C230K - 8.0 (7.5 for the 02 model)
C240 - 9.05

W203E35

But it's a little different on the 1/4 mile. Looks like the 230k wakes up because of the blower

C55 - 13.56
C32 - 13.82
C350 - 14.85
C320 - 15.60
C280 - 15.60
C230K - 15.92
C230 - 16.13
C240 - 16.67

laneshift

I was close. The c280 hangs with the c320. I had it backwards, eh? Nonetheless, missed my chance. Insurance rates should be lower for c240s.

W203E35

At those numbers it's all up to the driver. 0-60 is kind of whack because a late start or a small traction issue will cost the race. 1/4 mile is better choice for these cars.

My car sucks horribly off the line. I believe this is because of the bs throttle. I've been able to take and keep up with many fast cars but I believe this is because it wasn't off the line and more of 1st gear roll then go.

laneshift

I've always wondered, do we do exceptionally well (Merc's in general) against other cars from a roll because of Mercedes' notorious torque output?

W203E35

From experience roll is much better than off the line. This is why I believe the 0-60 is soo high the right gear at the right time the car is a angry bat from hell.

Check out my video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAUWqArZDV8

Notice off the line the car isn't great but once it hit's that mid RPM the car takes off like a monster. I believe it's the powerband. The powerband on the 350 is an arch instead of a straight shot like the 335i. The G35 has horrible powerband especially on the freeway. They can't mess with me on the freeway. There are reports of the new C300 for couple of seconds keeping up with the G35 on the freeway and again this is because of the powerband.

laneshift

Thanks for the clarification. Nice exhaust. Remus?

W203E35

Yup, thanks

Glyn M Ruck

We have both vehicles My 240 & the lady's W204 350.

Both are pleasant. Both have been utterly reliable. The 204 should be a better car. It's a 10 year newer design!

Derspeed

In 2003, I bought a Passat over a W203. I drove my father's for a while and just didn't care for it. I thought MB could have done better with that model. There are things that are a disappointing about the W204 too. I will say that living with the car daily makes me appreciate it more.

timmynabenz

W203 FTMFW!!! W204 FTMFL!!!

204's have a cheap looking interior, and the exterior, while it does look cool, gets old and isnt timeless like the 203's.
I had a 204 loaner for a month and a half when i was in between cars, and i've had 204 loaners for a week+ a few times, and could nto wait to get back to my 203!